There has been an increase in the number of "psychic hot-lines" advertising on television and in magazines. Even though the disclaimer "for entertainment purposes only" appears in small print at the bottom of the screen, a Christian should avoid any contact with anyone claiming to see into the future.

Throughout the Bible various names are used to identify people who claim to foretell the future. They have been called fortune tellers, mediums, soothsayers, diviners, spiritists, astrologers and sorcerers. Whatever the name, God plainly and strongly condemns any activity of this nature.

In Deuteronomy 18:12 god calls the people who practice these dark arts an abomination (detestable-other sins condidered to be abominations by God are idolatry, involvement with demons, offering human sacrifices, murder and the worship of antichrist) and demanded that they be driven away. To further show His hatred for the practitioners of these occultic arts, God commanded that they be stoned to death (Leviticus 20:6,27).

God desires His people to be perfect, that is to say that they follow Him and avoid pagan practices (Deuteronomy 18:13). In this same chapter God foretells of a true Prophet (Jesus) to whom we can look and follow (verse 15).

It is not only to Jesus Christ and the Bible we should look for leadership and guidance in our lives, but also the Holy Spirit. one of the purposes of the indwelling Holy Spirit is to guide believers in God's will. The Holy Spirit will teach us all things as we have need (John 14:26).